Easements – Wetland Banking

This data layer indicates the location of conservation easements that were created through the Minnesota Wetland Banking program. It was developed by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. Wetland banking is the process of establishing new wetlands, often through the restoration of historically degraded wetlands, to offset their losses to development. Minnesota law requires that any land being used for wetland banking is protected with a conservation easement. Wetland banks help to protect the cumulative area of wetlands within the state from decreasing. They also provide many of the important ecological services, including improving water quality and providing wildlife habitat.